Technology for All

The three principles of UDL state that students should be offered options in acquiring and expressing knowledge as well as tailoring instruction to students interests, readiness level, and learning profile. The resources that have been gathered through the Differentiation Station assignment are on-line and program tools that help to address UDL's three principles. My colleagues and I have researched, tried, and tested numerous sites that can help make content accessible for all students. I plan to use the surveys and learning profile assessments at the beginning of the year as well as many of the graphic organizer and web quest sites to differentiate instruction as the year progresses. There are also many drill and practice as well as independent study web sites that are available to reach all readiness levels.

I have always used technology in my classroom to differentiate instruction; however, I focused it mostly on the advanced learners and those who could use continued practice, leaving out the largest middle group. I plan to offer differentiation to all students and allow choice in learning and production. To do this I will provide access to the content in a multimodal fashion and have links available to handouts and digital media on our class website. I also plan to allow for student choice during assessments when students are asked to demonstrate their understanding. It is important that students are able to show what they understand in a method that both interests them and highlights their strengths. Differentiation Instruction begins with a mind set that I hold dearly and continues through giving students the support they need to be successful in the classroom. I plan to maintain a positive attitude and lead by example. Each student will know that I care and believe in their ability to succeed. I am excited to use the survey I created on survey monkey come September with my incoming fourth graders. From there I will have some insight into their goals as well as learning preferences that can be used to help differentiate instruction as the year progresses.

Ready or Not....Technology Here I Come!

Throughout New and Emerging Technologies I have realized that it is my responsibility as a teacher to keep abreast of new and emerging technologies that can support learning and content in the classroom. I have developed lesson plans that demonstrate my ability to use emerging technologies such as MUVE's, digital storytelling, online collaboration, and digital gaming. I now understand that I need to be the change agent that drives positive growth in my classroom in school. I plan to collaborate across grade levels with colleagues to form a technology team in my school and create a public file on the network where teachers can share technology lessons and sites that have been successful in the classroom. I hope to pull hesitant teachers into trying technology through lunch room and student chatter. This year will be my first year collaborating with a partner fourth grade class through voice threads and podcasting. I am excited for this opportunity and hope that it catches onto other teachers and grade levels. I have registered for course offerings through my district on digital storytelling and teaching the 21st century learner. Rather than shy away from new technologies, I will now give them a try, reflect on the outcome, and make necessary changes. I know to access much of the emerging technologies I need the permission and support of my administrators. To help them see the vital role technology plays in the classroom and the need to dedicate time and money to new and emerging technologies, I will invite them into the classroom to see the level of engagement, differentiated learning, and authentic problem solving that technology provides. This class has taught me that it is not okay to accept status quo, you cannot wait for technology to land in your lap. I owe it to my students and myself to seek out what emerging technologies are available to help each individual reach their potential and be prepared for the uncertain future.

NJ Voki